IMPORTANT FIRST EXTENSIVE ACCOUNT OF CALIFORNIA TRAVEL IN THE AMERICAN REGISTER, [Shaler, William], "Journal of a Voyage Between China and the North-Western Coast of America, Made in 1804.", pp. 137-175 in The American Register: or General Repository of History, Politics, and Science. Part I for 1808. Volume III. Philadelphia: C. & A. Conrad & Co., 1808. Together with four additional bound volumes of the periodical comprising volumes 1, 2, 4, and 5, 1806-1809. Matching red leather and marbled bindings. Five volumes total.
Provenance: Deaccessioned by the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA to benefit collections care, preservation and future acquisitions.
Catalogue Note: William Shaler (1778-1833) is recognized as the first United States citizen to give an account of California. He worked as a sea captain, commanding trading vessels that sailed around the world including the China Trade routes. In 1803 he was Captain of the Leila Bird when his crew and he were forced to fight their way out of San Diego Bay during an extended Pacific voyage because of a dispute with the local Spanish governor. Shaler's subsequent written description was widely circulated and led to increased American travel to and trade with California.
Volume 5 missing pp. 1-6, otherwise very good condition, each tight with some expected toning foxing to interior, and wear to bindings. Each with crossed out library stamp to front pastedown, no other library markings.
NOTE: All condition reports are based on general observations only, and are not meant to serve as a detailed analysis of condition. Please contact the department with your specific condition questions.